NEW DELHI: San Antonio
Spurs
are riding a wave of renewed confidence after securing a convincing 130-108 victory over the Detroit Pistons. As they return home to host the Charlotte
Hornets
on Friday, the Spurs are determined to build on their recent success and establish a more consistent winning pattern, a challenge they’ve faced in the current NBA season.
Victor Wembanyama
stole the spotlight in the Spurs’ triumph over the Pistons, registering a remarkable triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. The 20-year-old rookie phenom achieved this feat in just 21 minutes, marking the second-fastest triple-double in NBA history.
Keldon Johnson
and Devin Vassell also contributed significantly with 17 and 16 points, respectively.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich acknowledged the developmental phase both teams are undergoing but emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities. “It was our night tonight, can be totally different when we play in our place,” Popovich commented after the win over the Pistons. San Antonio, with a record of six wins and 14 losses this season, will aim to capitalize on their improved teamwork and offensive cohesion.
The Hornets, on the other hand, are enduring a challenging stretch, having dropped three consecutive games and 14 of their last 15 outings.
In their recent 123-98 loss to the Sacramento Kings,
Miles Bridges
led Charlotte with 24 points, while
Terry Rozier
and Brandon Miller added 22 and 15 points, respectively.
The potential return of point guard
LaMelo Ball
could provide a boost for the struggling Hornets. Ball, averaging 24.7 points, 8.2 assists, and 5.5 rebounds, is set to make his comeback after recovering from a right ankle sprain suffered on Nov. 26.
Charlotte, sharing a similar record with San Antonio, faces the challenge of finding consistency in their performances. Hornets coach
Steve Clifford
emphasized the need for intensity and concentration, hoping that the recent setback serves as a lesson for the team.
(With Reuters inputs)
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